Carolyn Smith Faucett Hartshorn

Hamilton, NY/Atlanta, GA-Hartshorn, Carolyn Smith FaucettCarolyn Hartshorn, 102, passed away on January 19, 2022 in Atlanta after a short illness. She was born November 15, 1919, the daughter of Alice Bills Faucett and John N Faucett in the Town of Lebanon, New York. It is believed she was the oldest living resident of the Lebanon community, having survived two pandemics. Raised on the family farm overlooking Lebanon Reservoir, she received her early education in a nearby one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Hamilton Central School in 1938. In 1939 she married Gailan Oscar Hartshorn and enjoyed a 62-year marriage before her husband's death in 2000.Carolyn lived a full life as a hard-working, frugal housewife, devoted mother, community leader, and successful business person. Carolyn never complained and had a unique sense of humor along with her positive outlook. She was a member of the Lebanon Federated Church, a charter member of the Lebanon Community Club and long serving member of the Town of Lebanon Planning Board. A quiet demeanor and a determined style served her well. Those who knew her were in awe of the deep knowledge of the community and its history that she possessed. Carolyn always kept a daily diary noting weather conditions and family activity.Along with her husband Gailan, she founded and operated Lebanon Reservoir Campground on land owned by her ancestors. She was a charter member of both the Campground Owners of New York Association (CONY) and the National Campground Owners Association (formerly NCOA), now the Association of Recreation Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). Carolyn served as the first woman board member of the National Association in the 1960s. An avid gardener, Carolyn was passionate about transforming the campground landscape into an arboretum featuring a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and perennials. She generously shared plants and growing advice with friends. She also willingly shared books from her extensive gardening library. Carolyn enjoyed meeting campers throughout the years, often keeping in touch with them for many years as well as children and grandchildren of long-time campers.Over the years Carolyn regularly met and shared stories with many dear friends at the Chenango Water Exercise Group (CWEG) at the Colgate University Pool. She also was an active participant in the Water Exercise program at the YMCA in Atlanta for over 40 years while she spent her winters there. Carolyn was an avid reader of newspapers whether it be the Mid-York Weekly or the New York Times. She was particularly fond of articles on nature, conservation, and birding as well as world events. She kept busy in later years sewing, especially in creating hand-stitched wall hangings and quilts of all sizes.Carolyn is survived by four children and a grandson: Dr. Truman Asa Hartshorn of Atlanta and Hamilton, Mary Karen Hartshorn DePietro of East Syracuse and Hamilton, Louise Alice Hartshorn of Hamilton, Lois Marie Hartshorn of Hamilton and grandson Alan DePietro of East Syracuse. A brother, George Bills Faucett pre-deceased her.There will be no funeral services. Carolyn will be buried in the Spring in the Smith Valley Cemetery in Randallsville at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Paul Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Lebanon Reservoir Campground in the summer. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory can be made to the Chenango Water Exercise program (www.cwegswim.org) or the Lebanon Federated Church.

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